Description
A creamy, refreshing seafood pasta salad packed with shrimp, imitation crab, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing—perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or light dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 oz small pasta (elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini)
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup imitation crab meat, chopped
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: a pinch of paprika for garnish
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
2. Drain pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool completely.
3. If using fresh shrimp, cook in boiling water until pink and opaque (about 2–3 minutes), then chop into bite-sized pieces if needed.
4. Chop the imitation crab meat into small chunks.
5. Dice celery, red bell pepper, and red onion into small pieces and finely chop the parsley.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
7. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shrimp, crab meat, diced vegetables, and dressing.
8. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
9. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
10. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley and a pinch of paprika if desired.
Notes
Use small pasta shapes like shells, elbow macaroni, or rotini so the creamy dressing clings to every bite.
Chilling the salad for at least an hour improves flavor and texture.
Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the creamy dressing.
Customize by adding green peas, diced cucumber, or upgrading with real crab or lobster for a more luxurious version.
Serve over a bed of lettuce for an attractive presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g